The Bethel Connection - Bethel Christian Reformed Church

November & December
November 30, 2014
Volume 3, Issue 2
Inside This Issue
Pastor’s Reflections
Reflections Continued
Silage Piles
YPS Messenger
Adoption Option
Adoption Option
Save the Dates
Remember
Calendar
VBS Sonwest Roundup
Cake Corner
Congratulations
Missionaries
The Bethel Connection
“Connecting people to Christ and one another”
Harvest Sale 2014
The Christian Education Committee
hosts an annual “Harvest Sale”
auction the first Wednesday
of October in the Sioux Center
Christian School gym to help raise
funds for Christian education.
Almost $47,000 was raised for the
Christian education fund.
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Pastor’s Re flections
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
From last year’s bipartisan comprehensive immigration
reform bill in the Senate, to this summer’s flood of
unaccompanied minor children to our southern border,
to President Obama’s executive action on November 20,
immigration has been in the news a lot lately.
Given that, perhaps it is helpful to remember that
immigration is in the Bible a lot as well.
The Hebrew word, ger, which is translated “foreigner”
or “alien” or “immigrant,” appears 92 times in the Old
Testament.
A representative sampling of those texts is revealing:
• “Don’t mistreat or oppress an immigrant, because you
were once immigrants in the land of Egypt.” Ex 22:21
(CEB).
• “When a foreigner lives with you in your land, do
not mistreat him. The foreigner living with you must
be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as
yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the
LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34
• “[The LORD] enacts justice for orphans and widows,
and he loves immigrants, giving them food and
clothing. That means you must also love immigrants
because you were immigrants in Egypt.” Deut. 10:18-19
• “The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the
fatherless and the widow…” Psalm 146:9
• “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick
to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers,
against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who
oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the
foreigners among you of justice…” Malachi 3:5.
In many ways, the Old Testament is a story of immigrants.
From Abraham and Sarah leaving their country and people,
to Israel’s formative experience living as (often unwelcome)
immigrants for 400 years in Egypt, to the story of Ruth, to
Israel’s repeated experience of diaspora – the self-identity
of God’s people was captured in David’s prayer of 1
Chronicles 29:15 “We are foreigners and strangers in your
sight, as were all our forefathers.”
That spiritual biography, combined with the New
Testament’s call to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews
13:2), Jesus teaching that how we treat a “stranger” is in
fact how we treat Him (Matt. 25:33-45), and the repeated
call to ‘love our neighbor as ourselves’ – a Christian
posture of loving hospitality to immigrants in our midst
is clear. However, it is also clear that we must do so while
being “subject to the governing authorities” that
God has established (Romans 13:1). We are called
to obey the law of love and respect the rule of law.
And that is the rub, because some 11.5 million of our
immigrant neighbors have broken immigration law.
Approximately 40% of these individuals overstayed
their original visa. The remainder either intentionally
crossed the US border illegally (a misdemeanor…
legally equivalent to a speeding ticket), or they were
brought over by parents. In all such cases, these
neighbors are “undocumented.” They are present in the
country, but don’t have the paperwork permitting them
to do so.
How are we to respond, especially given that the
Biblical witness noted above does not speak specifically
to the socio-economic and political situation faced
in North America? We can’t proof-text our way into
policy, but let me suggest a few things to remember
as we discern God’s leading in this complex issue on
which Christians of goodwill disagree:
1. All people are created in the image of God and are
to be treated as such regardless of the circumstances
under which the church encounters individuals or
a given person’s race, background, or legal status.
Recognizing our immigrant neighbors are human
helps us resist the caricatures of them by politicians
on the right as drug runners ‘with calves the size
of cantaloupes’ or on the left as superhuman
valedictorians and entrepreneurs. The truth is
undocumented immigrants are neither angels nor
demons. They are humans – bearing the dignity of
God’s image, broken by sin, in need of Christ. Like
the rest of us.
2. Governments have the authority and moral
obligation to maintain secure borders. Willful
violation of such laws is a sin and requires
repentance. Yet sin occurs by both omission and
commission and can include silent acquiescence to
a broken system that divides families, perpetuates
injustices, and harms the most vulnerable. We all
have planks in our eyes.
3. Our call to love our neighbors is not conditioned on
whether they are documented or undocumented.
Love does not mean turning a blind eye to sin, but
it does include a desire to mutually experience
God’s grace. One goal of immigration reform is
to provide a legal pathway for true repentance, a
reconciliation to find expression.
4. In all cases, we should respond with both
compassion and empathy, remembering we
are a community of immigrants in a nation
of immigrants. Apart from the 1.2% of the US
[Continues on page 3]
population that is Native American, 98.8% of Americans are immigrants or descended from them. That is especially
true in Sioux County which has the highest percentage of “Dutch” Americans in the United States. The reasons that
drove many of our ancestors here are similar to the ones that drive current immigrants. The primary difference is the
reception such people now get at our border. My maternal grandfather left the Netherlands in 1930 with less than two
days of planning – and was welcomed at Ellis Island. The byzantine and broken immigration system he would have
encountered now would be both unrecognizable and unwelcoming to him.
5. Lastly, we remember not just our own spiritual and historical biographies, but also our Savior’s: recalling in this
Advent season the flight of Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus to Egypt (Matt. 2:13-21). Christ shared not just our
humanity but also the experience of being an immigrant in a strange land. Through our immigrant neighbors, he
walks among us still (Matthew 25:33-45). How would he have us respond?
In Christ,
Pastor John
Covering Silage Piles
Bethel CRC’s Christian Education Committee organizes people each fall
to help farmers cover their silage piles. (We must love it as 2014 is our
7th year we’ve been doing this fundraiser!) This is a great way to support
our local farmers and support Christian education at the same time. The
job consists of spreading a plastic tarp over freshly cut corn, then laying
tires over the plastic. There is a certain amount of dirt involved with the
job but juice and cookies are often offered to all volunteer hands after the
job is done!
The Christian education committee anticipates making about $120,000 this year
from the silage pile fundraiser.
The YPS Messenger
As we reflect on the past couple of months of youth group, it is easy to see God’s hand. With a great director,
a fun group of students, and dedicated leaders, it has been a fantastic beginning to a year. While looking
deeper into Kyle Idleman’s “Not a Fan”, we have discovered what it means to be a true follower of Christ.
While every relationship begins with a DTR (determining the relationship), our relationship with Christ is no
different. We have to explore the difference between intimacy with God and not simply having knowledge
about him. Only after doing this can we begin to deepen our relationship with him. During our large groups,
we have been taking a hard look at where we stand in our relationships and where we place God. Have we
made him our one and only, or is He one of the many different relationships we carry on the side? Now that
we have taken a hard look into ourselves, we can now discover what it means to daily take up our cross and
live like Christ is our one and only. How do live every day for Christ and what does that look like in our
interactions with others? We are excited about the rest of the semester and what the next several months will
bring. Who knows what God has in store?
[ p age 3 ]
The Adoption Option
With November being National Adoption month, we’re taking the next couple of church newsletters to highlight families
in Bethel CRC who have or are in the process of adopting. The families took a moment to answer a few questions to help
the congregation learn more about how adoption impacted our various church families.
Gulker family
Why was(is) your family interested in
adopting?
We were interested in adopting because we kept
hearing the need for families willing to adopt,
specifically children of minority race. Even
though we already had four biological children,
we knew we had room for one more.
What lesson did God most teach you through
your adoption process/experience?
I think we learned most that if God brings you
to it, He will bring you through it and that His
timing is perfect.
What Bible passage did you often turn to
during the process?
James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father
accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look
after orphans and widows in their distress and
to keep oneself from being polluted by the
world.” And Matthew 25:40 “The King will
reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one
of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
How has adoption helped your family grow (besides in number)?
Everything about the adoption process is about growing and stepping outside of your comfort zone. There were so many times
when we wondered and questioned what we were doing. When Charlie was finally placed into our family, we knew what all the
hard work of filling out paperwork and fundraising was for.
Any stories you’d like to share about the adoption process?
We never imagined when we started the adoption that we would have our child’s birth mom and& family in our lives, and we
couldn’t be more blessed by having her in our lives. I have no doubt that God chose Charlie for our family not only because he
just fit into our family but because He knew just how much his birth mom would mean to us. When our first match fell through,
we couldn’t understand why we had to go through that. But in God’s perfect timing, we then knew it was to lead us on the path
to Charlie.
Through which agency was your adoption?
We were registered with several agencies that showed our profile but we were placed with Charlie through Heart to Heart
Adoptions out of Sandy, Utah.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with others about going through the adoption process?
It is so hard to have patience during the process but I know without a doubt that when you finally have that child in your arms,
you see just how God worked in all the little things for His plan.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I always say to people that this was one of the hardest, best things we ever did and we are so glad that we listened to God’s call.
“If you have a heart for adoption, do not let fear stand in the way.”
-Doug Chapman
[ p age 5 ]
Dekker family
Why was(is) your family interested in adopting?
People may ask why adopt when we have four children? Our
family feels that God has opened our hearts and home to add
another child to our family. We feel that God has placed on
us this desire and are all so excited about the idea of having a
bigger family and having another child to love.
What lesson did God most teach you through your adoption
process/experience?
God is teaching us patience, patience, and more patience.
Also we all learning to rely fully on God and that we are not
in control. We have seen the power of prayer and see the
amazing community of God at work. God is showing us to
live each day to the fullest and trust in Him.
What Bible passage did you often turn to during the
process?
“For I know the plans I have for you ‘declares the Lord,’ plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plays to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will
make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
How has adoption helped your family grow (besides in number)?
Through the adoption process you have grown closer as a couple and as a family. We are more open with our thoughts and
feelings. Also we have learned to not rely on ourselves but to rely on God. We have learned to enjoy the simple things in life - to
see every day as a blessing and to see how God shows His love to us in everyday experiences.
Through which agency was your adoption?
We are currently working with Lutheran Family Services of Iowa.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with others about going through the adoption process?
My advice is two quotes I have found that made me realize that God is calling us and we not worry:
1) “We must to willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
2) “Don’t run ahead of God’s plan; don’t be impatient in your wait. Enjoy the journey of adoption, of building your
family, the family that God has for you and the child that God has meant for your family.”
Anything else you’d like to add?
“Sometimes the best things you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess. Just breathe and have faith that
everything will work out for the best.”
Dec 14 - Sunday School Program
Dec 27 - Cadet Snow Derby
Jan 24 - Rec Night
Jan 25 - Cadet Sunday
Feb 7 - Day of Encouragement
Mar 1 - All Church Potluck
Remember Our Elderly
Crown Pointe: Cora Broek, Gerrit & Tracy Byker, Marie Fedders, Martha Goslinga, Elmer & Beth Koedam, Marie Van Kley
Franken Manor: Priscilla Broek, Johanna Herweyer, Judy Louwerse
Premier Estates: Winerva Hulstien
Royale Meadows: Evadean Broek, Betty Mennega, Josephine Postma, Herb Roos, Geraldine Van Voorst, Kathrine Visser,
Sally Wassink, Louis Wynia
At Home: Arend Wassink, Clara Hoogland
Regency: Grace Haverhals, Donna Obbink, Johanna Roos, Eileen Van Voorst
Christian Retirement Home: Margaret Sybesma
B I R T H D AY & A N N I V E R S A R Y
December
1 - Stacy Schaap
2 - Landon Mulder
Casey Postma
3 - Cora Broek
Marilyn TInklenberg
4 - Glen De Weerd
6 - Brad Beukelman
Jenna Wynia
Rod & Lois Wielenga (40)
7 - Nathan Nikkel
8 - Russell Mulder
Patti Van Schouwen
9 - Ross Hoekstra
Blake Kruger
Allen Van Beek
10 - Tate Hall
Vasya & Maranda Heytsi (8)
11 - Helen Peuse
Dave Van Holland
Rob & Willie Vander Bush (52)
12 - Marissa Haverhals
Hayley Visser
J a nu a r y
1 - Gretchen De Wit
2 - Jessica Feekes
3 - Mark Franken
Michael Schaap
4 - Gertrude Broek
5 - Dick Hoogland
Jenna Scholten
Josh & Joni Garcia (3)
6 - Anaka Dekkers
Rylee Hoogland
Linda Van Voorst
7 - Rod Wielenga
8 - Eric Fedders
Jessica Koedam
Dawn Stetson
9 - Lydia Wielenga
Doug & Cindy Hubers (11) 10 - Abby Schaap
Tessa Vanden Bosch
Merlin Zwart
Mike & Karen Vreugdenhil (26)
14 - Brent Suing
Austin Wieringa
15 - Marlys Moget
Daylea Tinklenberg
Eric & Kim Forseth (30)
16 - Elaine De Leeuw
Cole Rens
Brenda Vreugdenhil
18 - Beau Bosma
Gerrit Byker
Mary Nyhof
19 - Cynthia Kruid
Nancy Wielenga
20 - Carol Van Voorst (Mrs. Rob)
21 - Preston Kroeze
Mike Vreugdenhil
Dell & Lori Vos (40)
22 - Lois Hooyer
Kevin Wynja
23 - Justin Negen
24 - Vasya Heytsi
Mandy Van Schouwen
11 - Ellie Draayer
12 - Linda Feekes
Cheryl Soerens
Judi Vonk
Brian & Rebecca Groeneweg (7)
13 - Gerald & Marcia Van Voorst (40)
14 - Kayla Dolieslager
Pete Haverhals
Allen Mulder
Jina Tinklenberg
Brendan Vande Griend
15 - Joan Byl
Ayva Van Schouwen
Dave & Leanne Van Holland (33)
16 - Chase Alexander
Jessica Koedam
Herb Roos
17 - Myron Moss
Scott Ten Napel
Annette Van Voorst
John Vreugdenhil (Sr.)
Arend Wassink
18 - Kirsten Borger
Bev Zwart
Arvin & Carol Prinsen (49)
25 - Matt Boogerd
Kristine De Koning
Donna Schaap
William & Soan Cam (44)
26 - Ashtyn Hoekstra
Darrell Koedam
27 - Valerie Vreugdenhil
Corwin & Harriet Dolieslager (51)
28 - Aaron Hulstein
Harold Schiebout
Derek & Amy Lourens (1)
Stan & Karen Wynia (41)
29 - Bill Davelaar
Nataniel Heytsi
Madison Hoogland
Elliot Vanden Berg
Rylee Visser
30 - Beth Bleeker
David & Jennifer Griffith (26)
Justin & Heather Negen (9)
Harold & Kathy Vande Kieft (55)
31 - Ava Hanson
Johanna Herweyer
Geri Van Ruler
Cara Wieringa
19 - Jacob & Amanda Hall (8)
20 - Arie Byl
Herkie Davelaar
Mary Hoogland
Karisa Talen
23 - Megan Birdsong
Brian Groeneweg
24 - Pastor John & Mary Jo Lee (6)
25 - Kayda Vanden Berg
26 - Rogue Kuiper
Lane Van Holland
Eileen Van Voorst
27 - Bethany Bootsma
Glenda Van Otterloo
28 - Katelyn Franken
Rachel Nikkel
Tom Rozenboom
Kelsie Van Voorst
29 - Gary Fedders
31 - Josh Garcia
Wyatt Hulshof
Rachel Lubben
Complete birthday and anniversary calendar online now - check it out!
www.bethelsc.org/resources/birthday-calendar.cfm
cake
Bethel’s
Heath & Kayla (Zwar t) Stoker
Married: Aug. 15, 2014
Hometowns: Boyden
and Sioux Center,
respectively
Parents names:
Andrew & Nevonne
Stoker; Merlin and Bev Zwart
School name/degree if applicable: Both attended Dordt
College. Heath received a degree in secondary education
and social sciences; Kayla received a degree in business
administration.
Jobs: Heath works at Tri-State Ag as an applicator; Kayla
is a service administrator at Town & Country Implement.
Town of residence as a married couple: Hull
How did you meet? At the former Topher’s restaurant
while Kayla was working as a waitress.
What do you enjoy doing as a couple? Riding motorcycle,
playing golf, and playing board/card games.
What are your wedding colors and why? Black and
yellow; Kayla’s favorite color is yellow.
How did you come to pick your wedding date? Because it was before school started and it was exactly six months after we got
engaged.
What do you like best about your significant other?
Kayla: Heath’s sense of humor and laughter
Heath: Kayla’s ability to handle anything and have fun with everything
Do you have a favorite verse as a couple? Colossians 3:12-17, was used as part of our wedding verse
Is there anything else you’d like to share (story about the two of you, how you see God working in your lives, etc)? We both grew up
in this area, even went to the same grade school, high school and college, but both always missed each other until God was ready for us
to meet post-college. (Our grandparents are even good friends).
Congrats Patrick, Preston & Jacob
on your pro fessions o f faith!
Patrick Franken
Kelly & April Crull
Madrid SPAIN
Maranda & Rev. Vasya Heytsi
Zakapathia Region, Ukraine
Joni & Josh Garcia
Managua, Nicaragua
Rev. Dan & Jeananne Kuiper
El Paso, TX
Rev. Tom & Cheryl Soerens
San Jose’, Costa Rica
Farmer to Farmer
Freddy & Janiel Guadamuz
Managua, Nicaragua
Rolando & Yessenia Mejia
Managua, Nicaragua
Please visit the website for contact
information and ministry updates!
w ww. be th e ls c .org
Year in school: Graduated high school May 2014
Favorite Bible passage: Isaiah 12:2 – “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and
not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he
has become my salvation.” (NIV)
Why is profession of faith important to you?
It shows that I have proud to admit that God is my savior.
Besides making profession of faith, how do you see God working in your life?
He’s helping guide me in ways that I can’t see.
What are some of you hobbies/interests?
Bowling, fishing and computers
Preston Franken
Year in school: Senior in high school
Favorite Bible passage: Romans 12:17-19 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as
it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear
friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:
It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Why is profession of faith important to you?
I am able to know that God is always there to guide me when I need him.
Besides making profession of faith, how do you see God working in your life?
I have seen all the good he has done for me.
What are some of you hobbies/interests?
Bowling, shooting clay pigeons every once in a while and Go-Karting when there
is time.
Jacob Moret
Favorite Bible passage: Luke 14:11
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